Tactical Report for Ange Postecoglou: Exploiting Manchester United's Weaknesses
Match Preview: Manchester United vs Spurs
Date: Sunday, 29th September 2024
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, both on 7 points from 5 matches, face off at Old Trafford in what promises to be a tightly contested battle.
United’s home form has been solid, with 2 wins and no losses, but they’ve struggled to score consistently with just 5 Premier League (EPL) goals, despite their attacking firepower led by Marcus Rashford (3 goals, 1 assist in all games), Joshua Zirkzee (1 goal) and Bruno Fernandes (0 goals, 4 assists).
Tottenham, meanwhile, have been more potent in attack, netting 9 EPL goals with Son Heung-min (2 goals, 2 assists in all games), Dominic Solankee (2 goals, 1 assist), Brennan Johnson (3 goals) and James Maddison (1 goal, 2 assists) playing key roles.
However, our away form has been shaky, managing only one point from two games.
Defensively, Spurs have been resilient, conceding 5 goals, the same as United.
There were questions that came out of the Qarabag game, read about those here: Spurs v Qarabag Player Questionnaire
Key Battles to Watch
Midfield Control: James Maddison’s role under Postecoglou is more than just creating chances; he often drops deep to link play and initiate transitions. Expect him to find pockets of space in front of United’s defence, potentially dragging Casemiro out of position.
With Maddison is the creative hub. Casemiro’s challenge will be not only to cut off his supply but also to deal with Tottenham’s fluid interchanges.
Spurs' High Press and Build-up Play: Under Postecoglou, Spurs have adopted a possession-based, aggressive high-pressing style. The team builds from the back and attempts to overload the central areas before finding wide options.
United’s defensive shape and ability to play out from the back will be tested, especially against the likes of Yves Bissouma or Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr, who are relentless in winning the ball back and initiating Spurs’ attacks.
Midfield Control: James Maddison’s role under Postecoglou is more than just creating chances; he often drops deep to link play and initiate transitions. Expect him to find pockets of space in front of United’s defence, potentially dragging Casemiro out of position.
With Maddison is the creative hub. Casemiro’s challenge will be not only to cut off his supply but also to deal with Tottenham’s fluid interchanges.
Spurs' High Press and Build-up Play: Under Postecoglou, Spurs have adopted a possession-based, aggressive high-pressing style. The team builds from the back and attempts to overload the central areas before finding wide options.
United’s defensive shape and ability to play out from the back will be tested, especially against the likes of Yves Bissouma or Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr, who are relentless in winning the ball back and initiating Spurs’ attacks.
Tactical Dynamics
United's Struggles in Attack: United’s possession dominance has not always translated into goal-scoring opportunities. Although the team averages 61% possession this season, they’ve often lacked the creativity to break down well-organized defences.
If Spurs can force turnovers high up the pitch, as they’ve done effectively against other top-six sides, United might find themselves vulnerable on the counter, particularly if they are missing key players or have to resort to a makeshift defence.
Spurs' Adaptability and Fluid Front Line: Postecoglou has Spurs playing a more adaptable attacking system, where the front line, typically led by Son, constantly interchanges positions.
This fluidity, combined with Maddison’s movement, will be crucial against United’s back line. Look for Son and Kulusevski to make runs in behind United’s full-backs, exploiting any gaps left when United push forward.
United's Struggles in Attack: United’s possession dominance has not always translated into goal-scoring opportunities. Although the team averages 61% possession this season, they’ve often lacked the creativity to break down well-organized defences.
If Spurs can force turnovers high up the pitch, as they’ve done effectively against other top-six sides, United might find themselves vulnerable on the counter, particularly if they are missing key players or have to resort to a makeshift defence.
Spurs' Adaptability and Fluid Front Line: Postecoglou has Spurs playing a more adaptable attacking system, where the front line, typically led by Son, constantly interchanges positions.
This fluidity, combined with Maddison’s movement, will be crucial against United’s back line. Look for Son and Kulusevski to make runs in behind United’s full-backs, exploiting any gaps left when United push forward.
First-Half Assessment
United's Initial Approach: Manchester United, under Ten Hag, might look to dominate possession early on, pinning Spurs back and testing their defensive shape. However, Spurs’ ability to play through the press and launch quick counter-attacks could see the visitors getting in behind the high line United are likely to play.
Spurs’ Response: Expect Spurs to maintain their structure and focus on disrupting United’s rhythm in midfield. If Maddison and Bissouma/Bentancur can evade United’s press, Spurs will transition quickly and look to exploit spaces, especially through Son’s speed and Maddison’s incisive passing.
United's Initial Approach: Manchester United, under Ten Hag, might look to dominate possession early on, pinning Spurs back and testing their defensive shape. However, Spurs’ ability to play through the press and launch quick counter-attacks could see the visitors getting in behind the high line United are likely to play.
Spurs’ Response: Expect Spurs to maintain their structure and focus on disrupting United’s rhythm in midfield. If Maddison and Bissouma/Bentancur can evade United’s press, Spurs will transition quickly and look to exploit spaces, especially through Son’s speed and Maddison’s incisive passing.
Second-Half Assessment
- If United struggle to create clear chances in the first half, they may leave themselves exposed when trying to push more players forward in search of a goal.
Postecoglou’s Spurs have shown a tendency to improve as games progress, utilizing their fitness and tactical discipline to capitalize on mistakes.
Look for more attacking involvement from the full-backs and a potential switch in formation to provide added width and depth in the second half.
Postecoglou’s Spurs have shown a tendency to improve as games progress, utilizing their fitness and tactical discipline to capitalize on mistakes.
Look for more attacking involvement from the full-backs and a potential switch in formation to provide added width and depth in the second half.
Prediction
Given Spurs’ current form and confidence under Postecoglou, a result away from home is not out of the question.
With Tottenham’s attacking fluidity and United’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 2-1 win for Spurs or a high-scoring draw, such as 2-2, could be on the cards.
Spurs’ new-found resilience and the ability to control games make them more likely to edge out tight encounters compared to previous seasons.
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